Paralegal Associations

Paralegal Associations

Paralegal Associations are dedicated to developing, strengthening, and advancing the paralegal profession. They provide networking opportunities, continuing legal education programs, and pro bonoactivities for paralegals and members of the legal community throughout the Country.

Paralegal and Legal Assistants Associations in the United States

Alamo Area Paralegal Association, Inc.Alamo Area Paralegal Association, Inc. ("AAPA", formerly known as Alamo Area Professional Legal Assistants, Inc., "AAPLA") is a voluntary, non-profit organization founded in 1981 by a group of paralegals in and around the Alamo Area of San Antonio, Texas. The creation of AAPA was the result of a need for an organized educational and professional association for paralegals. AAPA is governed by a Board of Directors, elected each Spring by its voting members, and conducts monthly business and educational meetings.

Alaska Association of Legal Assistants (AALA)The Alaska Association of Paralegals (AAP), formerly known as the Alaska Association of Legal Assistants (AALA), was founded in May 1981 as a non-profit professional membership association of Alaska paralegals committed to the development and growth of the paralegal profession. AAP is governed by a board of directors selected by the full members at its annual meeting held in May. Board of Director meetings are held the first Thursday of each month. Monthly luncheon meetings are held the second Thursday of each month, featuring guest speakers from throughout the community. AAP also sponsors educational seminars designed to cover many topics in various areas.

American Alliance of ParalegalsThe American Alliance of Paralegals is a national organization focusing on the individual paralegal attaining and maintaining formal, legal and continuing education. The American Alliance also encourages collaboration and affiliation with paralegal, legal and other local and national organizations.

American Association for Paralegal EducationAAfPE is a national organization that serves the needs of paralegal educators and institutions offering paralegal educational programs. As primary purposes are rooted in the continuing development of higher quality education for paralegal students as well as to be the main source of authority in paralegal academics.

Arizona Paralegal Association ("APA")The Arizona Paralegal Association ("APA") was formed in 1977 and is a nonprofit professional corporation for legal assistants. The APA became an affiliate association of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. in 1988. Our membership is currently near 400. The members are legal assistants employed by Phoenix area law firms, freelance legal assistants, paralegals employed in corporations or government agencies, students enrolled in paralegal training programs and other persons interested in supporting the APA and paralegal profession.

Arkansas Paralegal AssociationWe (ArPA Members) strive to stay up to date on current Paralegal/legal issues regarding our profession, our education and our future. We are always updating and adding additional information to this page, so please bookmark us and come on back!

Association of West Virginia ParalegalsAssociation of West Virginia Paralegals, Inc., an affiliate of National Association of Legal Assistants, is a voluntary non-profit organization composed of legal assistants interested in professional development and dedicated to promoting and upholding the highest standards of the legal profession through training, education, and networking.

California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA)CAPA is a statewide non-profit, mutual benefit corporation dedicated to the advancement of the paralegal profession and the proposition that paralegals gain strength through alliance. CAPA represents California paralegals working in attorney- supervised settings and CAPA supports, encourages, and promotes an active relationship among its affiliated member associations, attorneys, national, state and local Bar Associations, and others in the legal community.

Capital Area Paralegal AssociationThe Capital Area Paralegal Association is a professional association for paralegals and legal assistants in Austin, Texas, and surrounding areas. CAPA was organized in August 1978 by a small group of pioneering paralegals and has since grown into the largest affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) in Texas.

Capital District Paralegal AssociationThe Capital District Paralegal Association, Inc. (CDPA) is a nonprofit association organized to promote and improve the image of paralegals as professionals within the legal community; to promote communication among paralegals in he Capital District; to promote continuing legal education of paralegals; and to promote public awareness of the role of paralegals within the legal profession.

CFPACFPA is an organization for Central Florida paralegals/legal assistants who desire to promote high standards of professionalism in their career field. Through CFPA meetings, social activities, newsletters and other means, paralegals/legal assistants are able to keep current with changing requirements and network with fellow paralegals/legal assistants, attorneys and other legal professionals.

Chester County Paralegal AssociationThe Chester County Paralegal Association is a member of the Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations. Keystone Alliance is a non-partisan, non-profit organization, formalized in 1996, from groundwork laid in the 1980's by paralegal associations in Pennsylvania. The Alliance provides a state-wide voice for paralegals/legal assistants in Pennsylvania, monitors development in the profession and promotes the profession in Pennsylvania. Member associations of the Keystone Alliance include: -Central Pennsylvania Paralegal Association -Keystone Legal Assistant Association -Lancaster Area Paralegal Association -Lycoming County Paralegal Association -Montgomery County Paralegal Association -Philadelphia Association of Paralegals -Pittsburgh Paralegal Association -York County Paralegal Association.

Cleveland Association of ParalegalsCAP has a network of over 200 members and through its affiliations with the Cleveland Bar Association (CBA) and The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA) has over 13,000 members. CAP enjoys the support of, and works closely with, many area law firms, corporations, banks, educational institutions, local bar associations and the public sector.

Cuyamaca Association of Paralegal StudentsThe Cuyamaca Association of Paralegal Students was created by a group of Paralegal Studies majors who wanted to contribute to their education as well as benefit from it. Collectively, they wished to assist in the development and growth of the program and to provide learning agendas beyond the classroom.

Dallas Area Paralegal AssociationDAPA is a voluntary nonprofit corporation composed of paralegals working in all areas of the law, who are interested not only in furthering their own professional development, but are also dedicated to the advancement of the paralegal profession as whole.

Delaware Paralegal Association (DPA)The Delaware Paralegal Association (DPA) was formed in 1976. Early that year, 16 paralegals met at what was then known as Prickett Ward Burt & Sanders to gauge interest among paralegals in Delaware to form an association whose structure and purpose(s) would be determined by the participants. Committees were appointed to begin work on the structure and organization of the association, to research and advise on whether to form a working relationship with the Delaware State Bar Association and to contact paralegals throughout the state to advise them of the association. In September of that year, 33 members were certified as "Charter" members of the Association.

Empire State Alliance of Paralegal AssociationsAssociations in attendance were from Long Island, Manhattan, Buffalo, Binghamton and Rochester. The statewide alliance arose from the need to strengthen the paralegal profession in NYS through networking. Issues and concerns of each association were discussed by representatives in attendance and the following goals were established:

Fort Worth Paralegal AssociationThe purpose of the FWPA is to promote the professional objectives and goals of paralegals, to encourage, promote and conduct programs of continuing education and professional development and to promote the advancement of high standards of integrity and professionalism for paralegals to the end that both the public and the legal profession are better served.

GainesvilleThe Gainesville Association of Paralegals, Inc., is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of the legal assistant profession, certification through NALA, professional training and networking, and upholding the highest standards of the legal profession.

Georgia association of ParalegalsIn 1973, a group of Atlanta area paralegals joined together to form the Atlanta Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. Their objective was to provide support for persons entering this new field, and to promote the profession to the legal community. They also wanted to create a forum for contributing to the discussions and decisions of both state and local bar associations regarding training and utilization of paralegals by attorneys.

Houston corporate Paralegal AssociationHCPA's primary purpose is to promote continued professionalism of the corporate paralegal in recognizing the unique challenges facing the corporate paralegal.

Houston Metropolitan Paralegal AssociationThe Houston Metropolitan Paralegal Association is the largest paralegal association in the State of Texas and is in the top five of the largest metropolitan paralegal associations in the United States. It is a non-profit organization and has more than 700 members. HMPA formally changed its name in December 2004 from the Houston Legal Assistants Association "HLAA" to the Houston Metropolitan Paralegal Association "HMPA". HMPA was founded on August 30, 1978 to promote the professional advancement of paralegals in Houston. HMPA has made immeasurable progress of heightened standards for professionalism, which is recognized statewide and nationwide.

Houston Paralegal AssociationHPA pledges to provide programs of education and professional development to advance the professional development, objectives and goals of paralegals.

Illinois Paralegal AssociationIPA is one of the largest and most active paralegal associations in the country, with 1500 members from all over Illinois and surrounding states.

International Paralegal Management AssociationIPMA plays an essential role in law firm and legal department management. IPMA provides a rich resource of information including current and up to date topics in the area of legal assistant management. Find a wealth of knowledge and links to subjects including legal industry service providers, consultants and suppliers, information exchange from colleagues in the Paralegal Management profession, job openings, industry reports, seminars, and much more.

Kansas Association of Legal AssistanLegal assistants, also known as paralegals, are a distinguishable group of professionals who assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services. Through formal education, training, and experience, legal assistants have knowledge and experience regarding the legal system and substantive and procedural law which qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the supervision of an attorney.

Kansas City Paralegal Association (KCPA)The Kansas City Paralegal Association (KCPA) is a professional association for paralegals in the Kansas City area. KCPA is a non-profit corporation which was incorporated on September 24, 1975.

Kansas Paralegal Association (KPA)The Kansas Paralegal Association, Inc. (KPA) is a nonprofit, professional organization comprised of three districts in the State of Kansas. KPA affirms the paralegal profession as an independent, self-directed profession in affiliation with the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA) and maintains working relationships with state and local bar associations. KPA provides a local forum for exchange of ideas, creative development, continuing education, and promotes recognition of the profession as an integral partner in the delivery of legal services.

Kentucky Paralegal Association (KPA)The need for a state paralegal organization had been recognized for years and the groundwork was laid at the first paralegal Forum held in Louisville, Kentucky in November 1989. Following the Forum, organizational meetings were held and the Kentucky Paralegal Association (KPA) was officially formed with the filing of the Articles of Incorporation in September, 1990.

Legal Assistants Association of New JerseyThe Legal Assistants Association of New Jersey, Inc. ("LAANJ") is a non-profit association formed in 1982 to foster and promote uniform educational standards and practice guidelines for the legal assistant. LAANJ also promotes the education of the public for the advancement and improvement of the legal assistant profession. LAANJ is an active member of The Garden State Alliance ("GSA"), an affiliation of the legal assistant associations in New Jersey: LAANJ and South Jersey Paralegal Association.

Legal Assistants/Paralegals of Southern West VirginiaLegal Assistants/Paralegals of Southern West Virginia ("LAPSWV") is a non-profit organization established in 2004 in Charleston and Huntington, West Virginia. LAPSWV promotes high standards in the legal assistant profession, establishes networking resources for legal assistants/paralegals, and provides integrity in the legal community. LAPSWV also contributes to the community by participating in a number of charitable programs.

Los Angeles Paralegal Association ("LAPA")The Los Angeles Paralegal Association ("LAPA") is dedicated to developing, strengthening, and advancing the paralegal profession. LAPA provides networking and continuing legal educational programs for paralegals and members of the legal community throughout the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.

Lycoming County Paralegal AssociationThe Lycoming County Paralegal Association (LCPA) is a nonprofit professional organization compromised of paralegals interested in promoting their own profession, and dedicated to the advancement of the paralegal profession as a whole.

Madison Area Paralegal AssociationMAPA is a strong group of paralegals in Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin. Our primary purpose is to provide substantive legal and professional education opportunities and to promote the paralegal profession within our legal community. Our mission includes maintaining paralegal ethics, encouraging leadership and networking, promoting our association in the community through volunteer work, and continuing to define and enhance our profession. MAPA supports regulation and licensure of the paralegal profession. MAPA members have participated in the project of the State Bar of Wisconsin's Paralegal Task Force.

Maricopa County Bar Association Paralegal DivisionThe MARICOPA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION (MCBA) PARALEGAL DIVISION, located in Phoenix, Arizona, was founded in 1999 as the MCBA Paralegal Committee. On January 1, 2002, we became a Division of the MCBA and are currently the only Paralegal Division of any bar association in the country to hold a voting seat on the bar's Board of Directors. Our 300-plus members are among the most diverse, accomplished and dynamic paralegal professionals in the country.

Minnesota Paralegal Association (MPA)The Minnesota Paralegal Association is a non-profit professional association dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the paralegal profession.

Missouri Paralegal AssociationOn January 15, 1987, by formal declaration, the Missouri Alliance of Paralegal Associations (M.A.P.A.) was created as a central forum and unified voice for Missouri paralegals.

Montana Association of Legal Assistants'MALA is to provide its members with continuing education opportunities. To attain this objective, MALA bylaws require that the association hold a minimum of four educational events or a total of ten hours of education during each fiscal year. MALA usually exceeds the ten hour requirement and holds two full-day and two half-day seminars each year.

National Capital Area Paralegal AssociationWe serve paralegals and legal assistants in the Washington, D.C. area. NCAPA defines a Paralegal or Legal Assistant as a person that is qualified through education, training, or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts, and work that is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by an attorney. This person may be retained or employed by an attorney, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work.

National Paralegal AssociationThe NPA is an international organization offering benefits and services to individuals, law firms, corporate legal departments, independent paralegals, paralegal training schools and colleges as well as those offering services or products to those involved in the paralegal profession.

Nevada Paralegal AssociationNPA, formerly CCOLA, was founded in 1978 by a group of paralegals recognizing a need for a professional association for paralegals. NPA is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors and Committee Chairs, elected each summer by its voting members.

North Carolina Paralegal AssociationNCPA was formed in 1980 to fill the need for a statewide organization to provide its legal assistant/paralegal membership with a continued flow of current national information. NCPA is a self-governing organization run by paralegals for paralegals. Through its educational and informational network, NCPA strives to help its members better assist the legal community in fulfilling its duty to their clients and the public. NCPA is an affiliate member of the National Association of Legal Assistants ("NALA").

Northeast Florida Paralegal AssociationNEFPA is an active and vital participant in the northeast Florida legal community, supporting the Jacksonville Bar Association in many activities, including "Holiday in January" to give a holiday experience to kids brought into the Department of Children and Families system during the holidays, as well as Professionals Seminar during Law Week and otherwise. Members of NEFPA volunteer at the office of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, and participate in "The Missing Link Legal Assistance and Mentor Program," assisting and under supervision of the Family Law Inns of Court and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Victim Services Counselor's office to aid victims of domestic violence.

Oregon Paralegal AssociationThe Oregon Paralegal Association, a statewide nonprofit organization with a Southwest Washington chapter, was formed in 1979 as the Oregon Legal Assistants Association. OPA is at the forefront in meeting the needs of its members and listens to its inner voice (the members themselves) to determine its direction. OPA is governed by a board of directors.

Paralegal Association of Central OhioLegal Assistants of Central Ohio was (LACO) incorporated in June of 1973 as a professional association for legal assistants. It is the first Legal Assistant Association in Ohio.

Paralegal Association of FloridaParalegal Association of Florida, Inc. ("PAF"), is a professional association of approximately 1,000 paralegals from around the State of Florida. The Association was incorporated in 1976 as Florida Legal Assistants, Inc.; however, in 2000, the name was changed because the term "paralegal" more accurately reflects the substantive nature of our members' responsibilities in rendering legal services -- while under the supervision of an attorney -- and clearly distinguishes our profession from other law office support personnel. A 1998 survey sponsored by The Florida Bar concluded that the public perceives "paralegals" to be subject to higher criteria than "legal assistants" and, therefore, have a higher standing in the legal profession. The work we perform for our law firms, corporations, or governmental employers requires a high degree of professionalism, strong ethical standards, and initial and continuing legal education.

Paralegal Association of RochesterThe Paralegal Association of Rochester, Inc. ("PAR" or the "Association") was founded in 1974 as a not-for-profit corporation. PAR acts in the interest of its members and meets a variety of objectives.

Philadelphia Association of Paralegals (PAP)The Philadelphia Association of Paralegals strives to meet the needs of Philadelphia area paralegals and provide as much information as possible to its members through its quarterly newsletter, The Philadelphia Forum, by printing PAP information weekly in The Legal Intelligencer, the local legal newspaper, and through its committees and bimonthly luncheons.

Pittsburgh Paralegal AssociationThe Pittsburgh Paralegal Association ("PPA") is a voluntary, non-profit association formed in 1977 to promote the professional development and continuing education of paralegals. PPA now has approximately 460 members from the greater Pittsburgh area and receives additional support from affiliate members, area law firms, paralegal training programs and the Allegheny County Bar Association. Members are from all areas of the legal community, including law firms, banks, corporations, hospitals, the public sector and educational institutions.

Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association ("RMPA")The purpose and objectives of the Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association ("RMPA"), a founding member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations ("NFPA"), is to act as a forum for the interchange of ideas relative to the education, training and function of the paralegal; to promote the continuing legal education of paralegals and inform members of developments in the profession; to promote and expand the use of paralegals in all areas of law; and to engage in activities permitted under the Colorado Nonprofit Corporation Act which will promote the paralegal profession, except as prohibited in the Articles of Incorporation.

San Diego Legal Secretaries Association (SDLSA)SDLSA is a local association of Legal Secretaries, Incorporated; SDLSA supports legal secretaries and all people employed in the courts and other institutions directly engaged in legal work throughout San Diego County. SDLSA provides educational and networking opportunities so the members can keep up with the increasing demands of the legal profession. SDLSA's mission is to increase the competence of legal secretaries who value ethics, professionalism and continuing legal education.

San Francisco Paralegal Association (SFPA)The San Francisco Paralegal Association (SFPA) is a non-profit organization comprised of individual members. The purposes are to represent the paralegal profession as an independent, self-directed profession, to enable paralegals to enhance their professional development and to support the expansion of the delivery of legal services in an economic and efficient manner.

Santa Barbara Paralegal AssociationSBPA is a non-profit corporation governed by a voluntary Board of Directors, which consists of 7 elected Officers and 10-11 Directors or Committee Chairs.

Sequoia Paralegal AssociationTo promote, encourage and expand the paralegal profession; To sponsor professional activities and offer continuing education for paralegals; To educate employers and consumers regarding the role of paralegals in the delivery of legal services; To maintain mutually beneficial working relationships with the local, state, and national bar associations; To participate in and support state and national paralegal organizations.

Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association (SMPA)The Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association (SMPA), a NALA affiliated association, welcomes members from any location in the state of Tennessee and surrounding states, yet its focus is on the paralegals in the East Tennessee area from the Cumberland Plateau to the eastern, northeastern, and southeastern borders of the state of Tennessee.

South Florida Paralegal AssociationSouth Florida Paralegal Association, Inc. (SFPA), previously known as Dade Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. (DALA), was formed in 1979 by a group of paralegals interested in creating a local organization. Although a State and National Association exists, the paralegals in South Florida felt the need for a local organization in order to address the problems of paralegals in our area, as well as to provide a local forum for ideas and information which would be immediately accessible.

Southeast Texas Association of ParalegalsSETAP (formerly known as SETALA) was organized in 1980 by four legal assistants, two of whom were Certified Legal Assistants (CLAs). It is a professional association for paralegals and legal assistants in Southeast Texas. SETAP is affiliated with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the Texas Alliance of Paralegal Associations (TAPA).

St. Louis Association of Legal AssistantsThe St. Louis Association of Legal Assistants (hereinafter "SLALA") is a non-profit association formed to promote the advancement of the legal assistant profession in the St. Louis area through encouragement of high ethical and professional standards and to provide access to information and education for legal assistants, and other legal professionals.

Tennessee Paralegal Association (TPA)The Tennessee Paralegal Association is a nonprofit, statewide, professional association with its membership comprised of persons who are employed as paralegals, students in recognized paralegal educational programs, and supporters of the paralegal profession.

The Colorado Association of Professional Paralegals and Legal AssistantsThe Colorado Association of Professional Paralegals and Legal Assistants ("CAPPLA") was formed in early 2003 as an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants ("NALA"). For many years, NALA has contributed greatly to the advancement of the paralegal profession all across the United States through continuing legal education opportunities, professionalism, and recognition of paralegals among the legal community. NALA offers a national certification exam for paralegals in which the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) designation is obtained. These benefits are invaluable to a person who is committed to the paralegal profession and advancement of their personal skill set.

The Philadelphia Association of ParalegalsThe membership is comprised of practicing paralegals, students, individuals, schools, law firms and other organizations. PAP is a charter member of The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) which has over 17,000 members nationwide. NFPA allows PAP and its members to be involved in the formation of policies affecting the paralegal profession and to stay informed of developments on a national scope

Tucson Paralegal Association (TPA)The Tucson Paralegal Association (TPA) began in 1979 under the name Tucson Association of Legal Assistants (TALA). It is an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), and subscribes to the same goals and philosophy. There were 32 people that became either active, associate, student or affiliate members during the first meeting held in December 1979.

Washington State Paralegal Association (WSPA)The Washington State Paralegal Association (WSPA) is a nonprofit organization formed in 1975 to support and promote the paralegal profession, and to provide a forum for addressing the paralegal needs, interests and responsibilities in the State of Washington.

Western New York Paralegal AssociationThe Western New York Paralegal Association, Inc. (WNYPA) is a voluntary, nonprofit association formed in 1976 to promote the professional development and continuing legal education of paralegals in the Western New York area. Over our thirty-year history, the Association has worked toward its additional goals of maintaining high ethical standards for paralegals, educating the Western New York legal and business communities in the effective utilization of paralegals, and promoting consumer awareness of the role of paralegals within the legal system.